When it comes to anti-anxiety medications, it is easy to get confused. There are many different kinds, and they are used under various circumstances. Two of the more commonly-prescribed drugs of this kind are Valium and Ativan. These drugs are both used to treat conditions like anxiety and panic attacks and other uses. Are Valium and Ativan the same? Is one better than the other? Are they dangerous to take? Can you get addicted to them? There are many questions you might have about these kinds of drugs, and it can be very reassuring to learn about the differences and similarities between Valium and Ativan, especially if you are deciding to seek help for yourself or a loved one with a Valium addiction rehab program. Liberty Health Services can help, so call 855.959.4521 today.
What Is Valium? What Is Ativan? Are They the Same?
Valium and Ativan are both benzodiazepines or, as they are commonly called, benzos. This is a class of prescription drugs that act on the central nervous system to calm the transmission of nerve signals, reducing anxiety and promoting a feeling of calmness. They are both prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders and other conditions, usually for a short duration.
Valium is a long-acting benzodiazepine, meaning that it stays in the body longer and its effects last longer. Ativan is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine, so its effects aren’t as long-lasting as Valium, and it does not stay in the body as long. So, even though the two drugs are similar, Valium and Ativan are not the same.
Valium vs. Ativan: Is One More Dangerous Than the Other?
All benzos carry a high risk for abuse and addiction, which can also increase the risk of overdose. People trying to quit Valium might have a slightly more difficult time than people trying to quit Ativan simply because Valium has longer-lasting effects than Ativan. Sometimes if a person is trying to stop taking Valium, their care provider may choose to transition them onto shorter-acting benzo such as Ativan in hopes that they will have an easier time in withdrawal. This is not, however, always the case.
Can a Valium Addiction Treatment Center Help?
Even when a person takes their medicines exactly as prescribed, they may have a tough time stopping because both Valium and Ativan can be addictive. However, studies show that clients who participate in substance abuse and addiction treatment programs have the best chance of maintaining their recovery over time, retaining employment, returning to school, and rejoining friends and family in previously-enjoyed activities. If you are wondering whether or not you or a loved one needs help, here are some questions you can ask:
- Do you have to lie or conceal your benzo use from others?
- Are you experiencing financial problems?
- Have you gotten in trouble at work or school?
- Has someone you care about confronted you about your drug use?
- Do you spend too much time thinking about how to acquire Valium or Ativan?
- Have you tried to stop taking Valium or Ativan and been unsuccessful?
Liberty Health Services Can Help With Valium and Ativan Addiction
At Liberty Health Services, we are proud to walk with our clients and their families on their path to a lasting recovery. Our luxury treatment center in Derry, New Hampshire, is the perfect environment for our clients to rest, recover, and focus completely on the healing process. If you or someone you care about has been struggling with benzos addiction, reach out to our caring and compassionate staff today at 855.959.4521 and let us tell you what we can do to help.
